An Eden Valley drink-driver has been handed a lengthy ban following a crash which left him injured and with a first criminal conviction to his name.
Hal Fell, 32, had been behind the wheel of a grey BMW which collided with a shipping container on Durdar Road in Carlisle on August 2 last year.
Police attended and Fell, of Tythe Barn Cottages, Lazonby, was located in the driver’s seat. He had suffered a broken wrist and required stitches to his mouth as a result of airbag deployment impact.
A blood test was taken in hospital and showed he had 148 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres, approaching twice the legal limit of 80mlg.
At Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today, Fell was sentenced after pleading guilty to a drink-driving charge during a previous hearing.
Defence lawyer Chris Harbinson gave mitigation on behalf of Fell, saying: “It is a classic case, essentially someone making the stupid decision of getting in their car having had too much to drink on that evening.
“He is at a loss himself as to why he made that decision to drive. It is clear to me and he wants to emphasise to the court his remorse and regret.”
Mr Harbinson said it was advantageous Fell had collided with a shipping container and not something more serious, adding: “It will be a stark reminder to him to address his decision-making in the future and also his drinking.”
Indeed Fell had not consumed alcohol since the incident, the court was told.
Fell was fined £250 and given an 18-month driving ban which will be reduced by 18 weeks if he successfully completes a rehabilitation course he was offered by a district judge.
